NPFL/La Liga U-15 Tournament Kicks Off Next Weekend In Ikenne

NPFL/La Liga U-15 Tournament Kicks Off Next Weekend In Ikenne

By Niyi Busari

All the youth teams of the 20 clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are expected to arrive at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State next weekend to participate in the 2023 NPFL/La Liga U-15 Tournament, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

The youth league which is sponsored by communication giant, MTN and in partnership with La Liga will begin next weekend in Ikenne.

MTN, telecommunication giant, had in September 2021 penned a three year contract worth N1.5b with the federation to support grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Announcing its readiness for the tournament, Bayelsa United cadet team has been motivated by the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo who promised cash rewards of N5m if they emerge champions. The Senator added that the sum of N500,000 will be paid to the team as winning bonus.

The senator made the promise at the weekend at a dinner organised by the State government as part of efforts to motivate the team in the Government House, Yenogoa ahead of the team departure the venue of the under-age tournament.

He added that every goal scored would attract a cash reward of N200,000, the goal scorer will get N100,000, assist gets N50,000 and the second assist N50,000 bringing the total to N400,000 for each goal scored on the run of play excluding free kicks and penalty.

His words: So, right now, the ball is in your court. It is up to you to go out there and play to win the trophy. So, you have to be courageous, confident and put in a lot of effort.

"Train as if your life depends on it, do your best. When you go put in all your efforts, one hundred percent. I want you to go to the competition and conquer," Senator Ewhrudjakpo charged the Bayelsa Under 15 boys.

The Deputy Governor, who also directed that kits comprising boots, track suits and other training materials be provided for the players immediately, said the Governor would also announce a formal reward after their victory, including granting them scholarships, if they succeed.

On 22nd May, 2022, Remo Stars cadet team won the 4th edition of the competition, beating Shooting Stars 2-0 in the final.